OBITUARY

Anthony Samuel Cannatella

August 31, 1939 – August 5, 2018

This is the story of Anthony S. Cannatella, Tony. Tony was a wonderful man that was loved, is missed, and will always be cherished. He was a wonderful and loving husband, father, grandpa, and teller of jokes to all he met.

Tony’s story began on August 31, 1939, the only child of Salvatore and Rosina Cannatella. Tony loved to acknowledge that he was a native of Tampa, indeed, Ybor City, Florida. He was a first generation son to Italian immigrant parents. He graduated from Jefferson High School, and attended the University of Tampa. A time of service in the U.S. Army interrupted his studies. Deployed to Germany, he was able to see parts of Europe, an experience that always stayed with him. After leaving the Army, he continued his studies at the University of Florida, where he graduated with a BSEE. In his last semester of school, he met the woman whom he fell madly and deeply in love with, Kathryn Vance Withrow, from Plant City, Florida.
Tony and Kathryn (Kay, to some) were married less than a year later and embarked on life in Atlanta, Georgia. Tony began his lifelong career with IBM. He spent nearly fifteen years in Atlanta, being transferred to Tampa in 1981. He retired from IBM after thirty years in 1996.

Tony and Kathryn were blessed by God with five beautiful children, and five grandchildren. Michael (Lauren), Jace, Caden, and Hudsen, Juliet (Ashley), Payton and Cole, Daniel, Lindsay, and Jordan (Sara.) He was so proud of each of his children, and bragged on them always.
Tony loved the beach and spent much time at Clearwater Beach. It brought peace and clarity as he walked from one end of the beach to the other. He loved travelling, preferably with the whole family. He was particularly fond of going to the Waffle House, where he would engage with any customer willing. He was a proud American patriot, with deep red roots, ready to reason his point.
Tony did volunteer ushering at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa. It was great fun and he met a lot of friends there. He loved bringing them a bit of joy with a joke or other kindness.
In 2017, Tony and Kathryn celebrated their Golden Anniversary. He was so proud to have achieved that milestone.

The world will be a little less fun without Tony’s clever quips and jokes. His family will miss him, but love him always and forever. We shall see him again, because of his abiding faith in the Lord.
Should friends desire, contributions may be sent to Fisher House Foundation, in support of our veterans

Anthony Samuel Cannatella

Diana Paradise

I have the joy of Juliet Cannatella Parker's being my wonderful daughter-in-law. I send my support and prayers for the Cannatella family during their time of loss for losing their patriarch.

Ronald Yogman

August 11, 2018

I was so very saddened to learn of Anthony's passing. He was absolutely one of my very favoritevolunteer usher colleagues at the Straz Center. We ALWAYS lit up and made each other smile and laugh when we would see one another. Always kind, gentle and a story ready to tell (or retell :)I totally enjoyed being in his company. He lived a wonderful life and thoroughly loved his familyand was one, rightfully, very proud man. I'd like to extend my sincerest condolences to his entire family. Please know this very special man will be sorely missed by those whose lives he touched!He was an ORIGINAL!

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